Country music means rhinestones, cowboy boots and big hair, right?

At the 2012 Academy of Country Music awards, country stars came out in force to prove that their fashion – as well as their music – has evolved.

This year’s biggest fashion evolution at the ACM awards was country-crossover Taylor Swift, who debuted a stunningly grown-up look. Swift, who was nominated for three awards, donned a white column dress with midriff cut-outs and metallic detail, designed by J. Mendel. She traded her typical curly locks for loose waves and heavy bangs, and sizzled with a smoky-eye look.

Always flawless Carrie Underwood, nominated for two ACM awards, looked gorgeous in her strapless Abed Mahfouz chiffon gown – complete with a hip-high split and paired with silver Oscar de la Renta peep-toe heels. Long curls, thick, dark lashes and a nude lip completed her winning look.

LeAnn Rimes took the less traditional fashion route, forgoing a long, glam gown for a short, sassy printed Stella McCartney dress featuring swirled cut-outs. She paired the trendy dress with a pair of casual Louboutin heels, and wore her hair swept into an up do as she presented during the ACM awards.

Of course all the stars paired their designer clothes with sparkling diamonds and jewelry from designers Lorraine Schwartz and Johnathon Arndt. Nothing completes a gorgeous dress like bold jewelry, and these country music stars know it!

Photos: Reuters